Our pals over at 13Deals have launched a new Monthly Mystery Box of Dog Goodies and even though it is priced at an amazingly low $19.99 already (average box value is $49+) with free shipping, they are giving Woof Woof Mama readers 50% OFF your first order.

You’ll snag your dog’s first box of toys, treats and surprises for only $10 including shipping. Then continue your monthly subscription at $19.99/month w/ Free Shipping, or cancel anytime with no commitment.

Each box is customized for your dog’s size, and will include a mix of fun goodies. I’ve verified with the company that all edibles will be made in either USA or Canada.

Keep reading for details on what Daisy received in her April Mystery Box of Dog Goodies!

Have you heard the news about the exciting new line of pet food from Natural Balance? It’s called Wild Pursuit and we’ve been switching Daisy over to it during the past month, since they are phasing out the ALPHA Grain-Free line.

Wild Pursuit is a grain-free pet food with elevated levels of high-quality protein from multiple high-quality animal sources including freeze dried raw pieces to resemble what a dog or cat’s diet would have been in the wild.

You might recall reading that we had a very difficult time finding a dog food that Daisy tolerated well due to her sensitive tummy and skin issues, and that’s how we ended up with Natural Balance ALPHA. Needless to say, I was pretty concerned when I heard that Natural Balance was discontinuing ALPHA but am super happy to report that so far we’ve had NO issues with the switch. If anything, Daisy seems more excited about mealtime that ever…and she’s usually a pretty fussy eater.

As recommended by Daisy’s veterinarian, we’ve been very careful to gradually transition from old food to new. The first 2 weeks we worked our way up to a 50/50 mix of old/new and now are gradually reducing her old food even more so that within the next week or two, she’ll be eating only the new Wild Pursuit formula. Always change pet food gradually, and speak with your vet for questions about pet nutrition, protein levels, ingredients, etc.

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get and stay more organized this year. Part of that includes managing our household budget, and keeping up with changes to costs of things like our cable bill, cell phone charges and health insurance so we’re not caught off guard by.

If you are a military family enrolled in the MetLife TRICARE Dental Plan (TDP), it’s important for you to take a few minutes to review and familiarize yourself with changes to 2015 premiums that go into effect on February 1st. Even if this doesn’t affect you directly, please be sure to share this with any military moms and dads you know…military family life can be hectic, and they will appreciate the update.

Premiums vary depending on the number of members enrolled and the sponsor’s status (Active Duty, Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve). See the chart below for the MetLife TRICARE 2015 Dental Premiums:

In addition to reviewing costs, it’s also equally important to make sure you are aware of all the benefits of your health and dental plans. The MetLife TRICARE Facebook Page is a great place to start. Several times a week, they post fun facts and info in the form of trivia questions. I learn something new each time I visit. For example, with TDP, family members are covered regardless of a sponsor’s change in status to and from active duty. How great is that!?!

Highlights and benefits also include:

Access to one of the largest civilian dental networks – over 250,000 dental locations

No annual deductible

Cost savings when a MetLife TDP participating dentist is used

2 dental cleanings and exams in a 12-month period + additional 3rd cleaning for pregnant women

Worldwide dental coverage (CONUS and OCONUS)

Not yet enrolled? Enrolling is a 12-month commitment, but after completing the 12-month minimum enrollment period, you can continue on a month-to-month basis. To learn about dental plan benefits for military families, or to enroll, visit the MetLife TRICARE website.

Everyone knows it’s impossible to go shopping at Target without making at least one impulse purchase…it’s a scientific fact. Well, over the weekend I went to buy a few things for reorganizing my home office area and ended up in the pet aisle (of course).

It fits in just about any bowl, and has a suction cup on the back so it sticks in place, but spins around as your dog eats.

Daisy has several different types of slow feeders and interactive feeders, and we rotate between them, but sometimes it’s just easier to use her bowl. We worry about her eating her food too quickly because it can be unhealthy and even dangerous for dogs to eat too fast, so I’m super happy to have discovered this cheap little gadget and thought I’d share!

It’s hard to believe that before the end of this week, it will be 2015 already…but it’s true! And the end of the year is the perfect time to do a little bit of preparation and planning for a healthy and happy New Year. I like to take advantage of this time to do a little bit of cleaning and organizing: out with the old and in with the new! I got a super CUTE new 2015 calendar and am already filling it with all our appointments and other important plans. That way when we ring in the new year and I make my annual resolution to ‘be more organized’ I’ll already be a step ahead!

The end of the year is a great time to review your dental benefits, schedule appointments, and plan your family budget for 2015. The TRICARE Dental Program is ideal for military families because it is a convenient and cost effective way for families to have continuous dental coverage despite changes in life events, geographical locations, or military status. The MetLife TRICARE Dental Program provides low cost monthly premiums and offers a cost share for a variety of dental procedures. I suggest you bookmark the TRICARE Dental Care Premiums page so you’ll have fast access to costs and coverage whenever you need it.

In addition to providing low cost coverage, the MetLife TRICARE Dental Program is also dedicated to educating members about dental health and important dental care practices. Connecting with TRICARE’s Facebook page and signing up for Dental HealthMatters Newsletter are two great ways to stay in the know with TRICARE. You’ll find information about TRICARE Dental benefits, updates and announcements, tips to keep teeth healthy, and more helpful advice throughout the year.

The MetLife TRICARE Dental Program is part of the TRICARE Health Plan for military families. However, you must enroll separately in the TRICARE Dental Program to obtain dental coverage for your family. To learn more and enroll, visit metlife.com/tricare.[Read more…]

Looking for an original gift idea for the special man on your gift list? Check out Mantry, the modern man’s pantry!

The #1 food gift for men, each Mantry includes 6 full-size artisan food products packed in a handmade wooden crate along with a custom manual detailing product stories and recipes. The food & beverage items that in Mantry are not your typical grocery store items and if your guy likes things like bacon, bourbon, and BBQ (what guy doesn’t!?!) he will LOVE receiving a gift subscription to Mantry.

I got a Mantry for Woof Woof Papa, and opened it up so I could show you the kinds of stuff to expect. Each box is designed around a specific theme, and this one is “Coffee and a Smoke” with all 6 items having rich and bold flavors.

Some past box themes include Craft Beer Belly, Bacon Nation, Campfire Cookout and Salty Dog, just to name a few. So, if you’ve got a food lover on your list and are looking for a last-minute gift idea, get him a Mantry!

You’ll get a digital gift card delivered to your email instantly, and their first Mantry ships in January.